In the United States, people often say goodnight with a nursery rhyme that is an invitation not to get stung by bed bugs; however, it is not that easy to recognize their sting. In fact, it's nearly impossible to diagnose them if you don't find evidence of an infestation first. The best way to tell when you have been attacked by a bed bug is to look for the typical signs of stings or red bumps on your skin. If you want to accurately determine if it is indeed these insects, you need to identify the signs that can make you understand their real presence in the area where you sleep.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Examine the Stings
Step 1. Observe them
Look for raised red dots, similar to pinheads and slightly dark, about 2-5 mm in diameter; you may also see signs of hives or hives that are noticeably redder than the surrounding skin. If you are experiencing a more rare but severe reaction, you may also have blisters larger than 5mm in diameter, which typically develop with bed bug bites.
You can use a millimeter ruler to gauge the diameter of the lesions
Step 2. Look for new bites when you get up
If you wake up with new itchy wounds or wheals, it is likely these insects have infested your bed. Pay attention to whether these signs look or feel the same as those of mosquitoes or fleas - bed bug bites are often red and slightly swollen, itchy and irritating like those of other insects. See if there are several arranged in a line or in random clusters on the skin, as bedbugs tend to sting multiple times during the night.
If you notice new lesions during the day, chances are they aren't bedbugs
Step 3. Look at where you have already been stung
Look for bites in areas of exposed skin or covered in light clothing at night. Keep in mind that these insects do not sting under the soles of the feet, so any lesions in this area must make you understand that they are not bed bugs.
Step 4. Look for signs of allergy
If you are allergic to these insects, you can develop hives or rashes similar to eczema or fungal infections; Also check if the bites are larger, painfully swollen or oozing pus, all typical signs of an allergic form to bedbugs.
- Be aware that it can take up to two weeks for the body to fully react to these stings.
- See your doctor if you develop a severe reaction.
Method 2 of 3: Check the Bed
Step 1. Look for live bed bugs in the bed
Pay attention if you see flat, reddish-brown, wingless insects measuring about 1-7 mm; look between the folds of the mattress and the sheets. See also if they have lost the exoskeleton; it also looks for thin white eggs or shells, which may be 1 mm in diameter, or larvae of the same size.
Perform a thorough inspection by scraping the surfaces with a credit card-like tile to accumulate bugs and their residues
Step 2. Examine the sheets
Look for reddish or rusty spots. it could be the crushed insects themselves or their fecal material. Try scrubbing any dark or red spots you see; if the spot spreads or smells, it is most likely bed bug droppings.
Step 3. Check the bed frame
Look for any signs of the infestation in the frame and in the space between the structure and the wall, as well as on the headboard; pay attention to the edges, seams and labels of the mattress, sheets and bed base. Also be sure to look inside the pillowcase for the pillow and any other decorative pillows.
Step 4. Assess the condition of the bed
In less severe cases, bed bugs may be present even if you do not see them with the naked eye; take into account the age of the mattress and linen. If you are in a hotel room, check if the mattress is covered with a plastic sheet; if not, there is a much better chance that it can be infested.
Method 3 of 3: Finding other Signs of their Presence
Step 1. Check for a bed bug infestation in other furniture as well
Look under the chair cushions and check the seams of chairs and sofas; also examines the joints of the drawers.
Step 2. Inspect other spaces
You must also look for the presence of these insects under loose wallpaper and tapestries; it also examines electrical outlets and the junction points between the walls and the ceiling or floor. Don't forget to check in the folds of the curtains.
Step 3. Smell the places where you suspect their presence
You should smell a slight sweet musky smell; you may also feel a smell of coriander or some other odorous trace released by these insects. If the suspicious area smells like the damp areas of an old house or gives off other stinks, bed bugs may actually be present.
